This book is only 136 small pages, but the size is no reflection on the amount of biblical and practical wisdom stored away in it. The author is full of suggestions (none of them expensive) on how to create a gospel culture in the home. The chapter headings give clues as to their content: A Happy House; A House of Structure; A House of Substance; A House of Story; A House of Sorrow; A House of Singing; A House of Sympathy; A House of Service; A House of Sharing; A House of Sojourn; The Fruitful Home. Ann’s advice and ideas all have strong biblical roots. It is an ideal book to give as a gift to new parents. I wish this book had been written when I was on the parenting journey. Let me close with a favourite quote from the text. After referring to the character of Mole in Wind in the Willows, Ann writes: ‘The prevailing culture is typically very shallow. But a Christian family life, where Bible truth is loved and lived, is a house of substance. Its rooms are being filled with rare and beautiful treasures – some, like Mole’s precious possessions, fall into their lap as a matter of heritage, but others are gained at some cost. “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”’
